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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Labour and Welfare Bureau said today (July 27):
"The implementation of the proposal to suspend the collection of the Employees Retraining Levy (levy) for a period of two years will be advanced from September 1, 2008 to August 1, 2008, subject to the approval of the Executive Council (ExCo). Implementation details will be announced as soon as possible after ExCo's approval is sought.
The role of the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) is of paramount importance to Hong Kong. In the long run, levy collection is essential in ensuring steady and sufficient financial resources for the ERB to enhance the employability of the local workforce so as to maintain Hong Kong's vibrancy and competitiveness."
Ends/Sunday, July 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:24
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